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Kerry’s new stars of the small screen take a bow

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At the launch of the Kerry Parents & Friends Association's new video at The Malton Hotel on Wednesday were front from left, Mairead O'Sullivan (Education Officer South Kerry Development Partnership) Anthony Jones, Hayley Ferguson, Claire Spillane, Stephen Brosnan and Kate Kariuki. Standing from left are Batt Healy, Paudie Healy, Noel Spillane, CEO SKDP, Jim O'Mahony and Brendan O'Sullivan. Picture: Eamonn Keogh

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THE longest-serving staff member in McDonalds in Killarney, Anthony Jones was one of a number of stars who made their debut on the small screen today.

Anthony, who has worked in the Park Road franchise for two days a week for 14 years, was one of 25 people involved in a new DVD, An Independent Life, showcasing the daily activities of a group of young adults who are supported by the Kerry Parents & Friends Association in Killarney.

Anthony really enjoyed being involved with the recording of the video. “It is something I would love everyone to see,” Anthony said.

Another participant, Stephen Brosnan said the DVD gives employers a chance to see their skills. Stephen works in both Heatons and Elverys Sports in Killarney. “I also wanted it to show how relationships and friendships are important to me and that my job and the pay helps me to be independent,” Stephen said.

A large group of family and friends attended the launch, at The Malton Hotel today, of An Independent Life, which was produced by Tadhg Hayes and funded by South Kerry Development Partnership Ltd.

The 20-minute DVD gives a snapshot into the lives of the young adult participants including their involvement in the work, home and social settings. It is planned to make it widely available in the coming weeks.

Instructor with the KPFA Batt Healy said the aim was to make a DVD to highlight that people with disabilities have the same yearnings around independent living and relationships as everyone else and to showcase their capacity in both working and life situations.

“This DVD will help us send out the message that these young adults have the same rights and desires as their peers and we have received a very positive response to this message,” Batt said.

Approximately 25 of the young adults KPFA supports are actively engaged in paid employment, work experience or voluntary work and this helps them achieve greater levels of independence.

SKPD CEO Noel Spillane said the organisation was delighted to fund this project under the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP). “This DVD highlights the ability of the participants rather than their disability and provides them with a voice to articulate their aspirations and wishes,” Noel said.

DVD producer Tadhg Hayes said he wanted the DVD to provide the participants with a voice to show the wide range of activities they are involved in as well as some of the challenges they face. “The KFPA staff undertake excellent work and the businesses who employ these young adults also contribute very strongly but also receive positive benefits which I felt it was important to highlight,” Tadhg said.

Copies of the DVD will be available in coming weeks from KPFA or can be accessed through YouTube, see
https://youtu.be/gkX3UsnXOcw
 


 
Pictured, top, at the launch of the Kerry Parents & Friends Association's new video at The Malton Hotel on Wednesday were front from left, Mairead O'Sullivan (Education Officer South Kerry Development Partnership) Anthony Jones, Hayley Ferguson, Claire Spillane, Stephen Brosnan and Kate Kariuki. Standing from left are Batt Healy, Paudie Healy, Noel Spillane, CEO SKDP, Jim O'Mahony and Brendan O'Sullivan. PICTURE: EAMONN KEOGH

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Gary Moynihan wins racecourse style title

Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day. Moynihan, a local neuromuscular […]

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Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day.

Moynihan, a local neuromuscular therapist, claimed Best Dressed Gentleman in a made-to-measure six-button burgundy double-breasted suit with a navy check from Saville Menswear in Cork. He completed the winning look with a shirt and paisley tie from Simply Suits Killarney and brown derby shoes from Pavers at the Killarney Outlet Centre.
Best Dressed Lady was awarded to Novak, a hospital personal assistant from Tullamore, who wore a red polka-dot ensemble and custom hat designed by milliner Rita Daly, featuring sustainable jewellery made from recycled plastic.
Canella Lane owner Ciana Aspell praised the high standard of fashion on the day, while Killarney Racecourse Manager Karl McCay thanked the sponsors and racegoers for their support.
With the summer season now wrapped up, the team at Killarney Racecourse is gearing up for the October Festival on October 4 and 5, featuring its first-ever Student Raceday with SPIN South West on the Monday. Early ticket booking is advised.

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Gleneagle Concert Band opens recruitment drive for new members

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The Gleneagle Concert Band is inviting new members of all ages to join the ensemble as it prepares for its new season starting this September.



Open to children, young people, and adults from Killarney and surrounding areas, the band offers specialist instrumental tuition starting from age nine. Beginners can take lessons in clarinet, flute, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, French horn, euphonium, tuba, percussion, and drums before progressing into the main band.

No previous experience is required for adults or children. The band also welcomes adults who already play an instrument or wish to return to music after a break.

“What makes Gleneagle special is that our musicians don’t just rehearse in a room and play the occasional concert,” said Music Development Officer Vincent Condon. “They perform at major events, festivals and community occasions, take part in film productions, travel internationally and, importantly, have fun together as a band. The band is open to everyone. We welcome young people who want to learn an instrument, as well as adults who have previous musical experience and would like to return to playing.”

For information on registration and lessons, contact 087 222 9513 or visit the band’s social media pages.

Busy summer of events


The Gleneagle Concert Band has concluded a busy 12 months featuring public performances, festival appearances, and charity work.

Highlights included the annual summer street concerts in Killarney town, along with performances at Puck Fair, the Rose of Tralee, and the Summer in Killarney Festival. Band members were also involved in the filming of Jimmy, an upcoming Hollywood biographical drama based on actor Jimmy Stewart.

Community fundraising remained a focus over the past year, with the band supporting local causes including the Kerry Stars Special Olympics Sports Club and Recovery Haven Kerry Cancer Support House alongside a sold-out Annual Concert.

Following a tour to Seville in 2025, the band has confirmed its next overseas trip to Bilbao and San Sebastián in northern Spain, scheduled for August 2027.

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